This is only the beginning!

"Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay side every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  

                                                                             Hebrews 12:1-2   NKJV

I watched a film last night - 'Bonhoeffer - Agent of Grace'. This featured a German pastor during WWII, who lived away from Germany but felt the call to go back there:

'Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident who was a key founding member of the Confessing Church. His writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential; his 1937 book The Cost of Discipleship is described as a modern classic. Living in America, he felt the call to return to Germany even though it could cost him his life. Those close to him advised him not to return to Germany, but a doctor insisted that he must due to his religious beliefs. Despite the possibility of persecution by the Nazis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer did return to Germany and preached of the Jews and against Hitler and his Nazi agenda, causing a great stir.'  Sourced from Wikipedia

It is a great film and pushes home the importance of having Jesus in your life and making a stand for Him. One thing that struck me was Bonhoeffer's words towards the end of the film. An SS officer told Him, 'This is the end'. Bonhoeffer's reply was 'No it is not,' meaning this is only the beginning. 

Things come to an end in this life and it maybe life itself. However, for the Christian, it is only the beginning. We have heaven to look forward to where we will meet Jesus, face to face; and where we will live eternally - no more death or sickness. This also encourages us here on earth that, if a door closes God is sure to open another door. Never be frightened of things coming to an end because, it is only the beginning of something that may be even better to what we have left. Jesus can be trusted; He will never close a door, leaving us out in the cold. No, when He closes a door, He goes with us and takes us personally through the new one. He can be trusted.

So have the attitude that this is not the end, it is only the beginning!

God's Promise of Security and Protection

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name' v14                             Psalm 91:14-16   NKJV 

God has promised to deliver and protect those who set their love on Him. They can count on God to rescue and satisfy them with the full-length of life planned for each one, and then a wonderful salvation. Added to this, are all the other benefits of giving one's life over to God. We will never be in lack, in anything.

The word used 'love' in verse 14, is not the usual Hebrew word for love. Rather, it has the idea of 'holding close to', or even, 'hugging tightly in love'. This is a wonderful picture of our commitment to Him. He is faithful and gives His all without, holding back.

Charles F Stanley comments on verse 15: In prayer, we connect our need to God's supply. We bring our emptiness to His unending love and provision and ask Him to satisfy us. Our deficits are no match for His abundance, and He assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him'  Philippians 4:19. 

I love the statement, 'Our deficits are no match for His abundance.' We may have nothing as we approach the Throne of God but, He has an abundance to give to us, and He does, as we trust Him. We may feel inadequate and of no value to God but, as we approach Him, He shows us we have. When we are insecure, He makes us feel secure; when we lack confidence, He builds our confidence up. He edifies us, accepts us and loves us.

No matter what you are going through today, He understands your emotions and the way you feel. He has seen the tears that you have shed and has gathered them up. He has recognised that you have set your love upon Him and He is hugging you tightly. He knows your fears, the pain you are going through at this time; and He cares so much. Allow me to quote verses 14-16 from The Passion, which is paraphrased but, helps us see the gems that are hiding in these verses:

'For here is what the LORD has spoken to me: Because you have loved Me, delighted in Me, and have been loyal to My name, I will greatly protect you. 15 I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will feel My presence in your time of trouble. I will deliver you and bring you honour. 16 I will satisfy you with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of My salvation.'

Now just allow those wonderful words to wash over you and fill your spirit with the security and love that God wants you to have at this time. 

With every blessing.

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

Show Respect - Not Selfishness

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."   Philippians 2:3   NKJV 

To show respect to others, is to demonstrate esteem, honour and appreciation for them. We would do this is we met Jesus in the street, wouldn't we? So therefore, we should to others too. We are often on our best behaviour when we are in the presence of an important person, yet we tend to relax and let all of this go when we are with the 'norm' - and this includes your spouse.

We can be so full of ourselves that no one else gets a look in. This can be classed as selfish ambition and bordering on conceitedness. Conceit means to have a high exaggerated opinion of oneself or one's accomplishments. It can be classed as vanity. Let's be honest, there are many times when we can speak forever about ourself and the things that we are involved in, yet hardly speak at all when we are with the people who matter most. Doing this, we demonstrate selfishness.

Are you always the first to get served when the buffet or BBQ is ready? Do you pile your plate as if food is going out of fashion with the choice pieces before anyone else has the opportunity? It's called selfishness and lack of respect. Again, do you chase around a car park to get the only available space and sit there and gloat when you've succeeded, leaving the other person without? It's called selfishness. In fact, there can be heated arguments over one parking space. Ask yourself, is it worth it? Is it worth the high blood pressure and a complete demonstration of how not to live the Christian life?

Scripture tells us, '(Love) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil' 1 Corinthians 13:5. Does this convict and challenge you? It does me and I'm writing it. We have such a long way to go to be like Jesus; to demonstrate His love and care to this world. Sometimes it feels an impossible task, but it's not because, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' Philippians 4:13. Note the 'through Christ.' This is how we gain success - through Him. We'll never do it on our own 'Without Me, you can do nothing' John 15:5. 

Show people Jesus - that is respect and never selfishness

Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

        

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

Bless and Appreciate People

24 

"The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."        

                                                                                      Numbers 6:24-26   NKJV

The priests used this blessing in the sanctuary, but it is also ours too and a way that we can bring blessing and peace to people. When we do bless them, we are also showing them love, gratitude and the message is, ''I appreciate you.' We all need to know that we are appreciated, it helps us to be secure and confident.

When a priest, or indeed any Jewish person made this blessing, they would usually end with 'Shalom', which is peace being reinforced. But many times they would say, 'Shalom, Shalom' which means perfect peace. Warren W Wiersbe comments on this: 'Peace or Shalom is one of the great words in Hebrew vocabulary, and it means much more than the absence of storm and trouble around us. It involves quietness of heart within us, spiritual health and spiritual prosperity, adequacy for the demands of life, and the kind of spiritual well-being that rises above circumstances. Peace describes that deep and satisfying rightness with God, which is what Paul had in mind when he wrote Philippians 4:6-20'                            The Wiersbe Study Bible

The Jewish people, even today, greet people with 'Shalom, Shalom' Isaiah 26:3.They also use this term when they leave someone to return home. It helps put a seal on the relationship and saying you want the recipient to be totally protected and blessed throughout their day. Many Christians today, use this term as well but, one has to ask are they saying this because it is a well known part of our Christian language or, do they mean 'Shalom, Shalom - Perfect Peace'. It is food for thought. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the lingo that we have to beware of saying certain things because it is expected.

All over the place, and possibly in your church, people are longing to feel appreciated for what they do and for who they are. Is there someone that comes to mind who could do with a text or telephone call saying how much you appreciate them and to give them a blessing. It can be a cold society at times, one where some are worried about the economy, their health, lack of finance and a stack of problems. Just one word of encouragement can make them feel loved and accepted and even though they may still be in the same position, make them feel that things are going to get better.

Give it some thought and pray about it. You may just bring a word of comfort and love to someone who is feeling low at this time.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

 

Pray, Listen and Wait

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever"   

                                                                                               Psalm 118:1   NKJV 

 When the Psalmist penned this, he wanted to get the fact over that those who are covered in God's covenant and are loyal to Him, are blessed by God's love and protection. This is guaranteed. All the more why we should praise Him constantly for His love towards us. The Psalmist wants us to know that, those who are in a loyal covenant with God, will be totally taken care of. He writes in verse 5 and 6: 'I called on the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and set me in a broad place. The LORD is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me? And this is true; you may be climbing the walls in frustration, running around like a headless chicken or trying to drive through a cul-de-sac, getting nowhere when all you have to do is call on the Lord. But at times, that is the last thing some want to do. They would sooner work it out themselves getting more and more worked up and grumbly than ask for help. Are you one of those? If so change that now, there are certain things that you can't do alone, you will only make it worse.

God wants us to call on Him and, note this, He answers. Perhaps not straightaway because, His timing is perfect and there are things we don't know about that He has to negotiate first. We just have to be patient. However, He doesn't use one of those fancy answering devices that speak to you, telling you how special you are and that they are trying to connect you. No, not at all. You get through to God straightaway. There are no secretaries, admin staff or whatever. You get through instantly. But, as I have said, be patient and understand, you may have to wait for His answer. But this is positive so be at peace and relax.

During this waiting period find a Psalm that is appropriate to your situation and pray it out personally, praising and worshipping God as you do. You'll be surprised how relaxing and refreshing this is and within no time at all, the answer you are asking God for, may arrive. Avoid distractions, those that will effect your focus and just concentrate on Jesus. He loves you to praise Him. Ask Him such things as, 'Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law' Psalm 119:18. Listen to Him and have quiet moments where you don't do all the talking but just listen for when He is ready to speak to you.

Above all, don't rush away, spend as much time as you can in prayer and listening. It will be a blessed time and, it's one thing that we all should be doing more of. Bless you!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

 

Laugh your way through the day

"A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul. But the one whose heart is crushed struggles with sickness and depression"   Proverbs 17:22.  The Passion

Laughter is a great help to our mental and physical health. A good belly laugh is like a tonic; every part of our body is alert and active and it feels like our muscles are on fire with joy. Sometimes we have to hold our stomachs to stop the trembling. It really is good to have this. 

“Laughter activates the body’s natural relaxation response. It’s like internal jogging, providing a good massage to all internal organs while also toning abdominal muscles,”  Dr Gulshan Sethi, head of cardiothoracic surgery at the Tucson Medical Center and faculty at the University of Arizona’s Center for Integrative Medicine.

I have heard testimony of people who have been healed through laughter. They've simply laughed their way back to good physical health. God says a merry heart is good medicine and He always speaks the truth so it has to be true.

It most certainly changes the outlook on life. Depression robs the soul of joy, where laughter and joy brings inner pleasure. This is why we need to laugh and smile more. A smile can brighten one's day and it's very difficult not to smile back at someone. Psalm 118:24 tells us: 'This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.' There is a choice in this verse to either rejoice or not. A person's will is very strong and at times it needs wrestling with. Ensure that you train your will to comply with scripture and rejoice and be glad. 'Why?' you may ask. Because you are alive and Jesus Christ rules in your heart; He is your friend and wants to bless you. Psalm 34:1 says: 'I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.' This promotes God's joy and in return, makes you feel good too. This joy can lead to happiness and put a smile on your face that the world can see. Happiness can bring laughter.

If you have or are suffering from depression, you may feel that it is difficult to do this. But if you can, it can bring strength to your soul. Why not read through the Psalms and put the wording as if it is yourself speaking. It's hard to be motivated to do this but, the benefits are excellent. Again, it is a choice but may be one of the best choices you have made in recent months. Jesus does not want you unhappy, sad or upset. He brings life (John 10:10). Give Him the opportunity to help you through this dark place. Watch a good, wholesome comedy film and allow yourself to laugh deeply. It may just be the sort of therapy you need at this time.

Find a way to help you to laugh your way through the day.

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

 

 

Things are not always what they seem

"So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live"'                                                  Acts 28:1-6   NKJV

We have to be so careful about what we see. Things are not always the way they look or how we think they look. People's names have been dragged through the media portraying them as guilty of something when, they have been innocent. Things are not always what they seem.

Here we see Paul, following his shipwreck being treated well by the people of the land. They prepare a fire and Paul helps out. As he picks up some sticks to place on the fire, a snake - possibly similar to an adder, jumps out because of the heat and bites on to his hand. As it hangs there, the people don't help him but choose to discuss this. They believe Paul may be a murderer, who has escaped the sea drama but is now suffering the consequences through the snake bite - justice. However, Paul just shakes the snake off into the fire and then they start believing that he will soon swell up and die because  of the poison. When he doesn't, they believe he is a god. They were superstitious people who believed in the myths of the world and always had to find reason why something had happened.

The snake was just doing what snakes do. It was laying around, camouflaged waiting for its next feed. It's difficult to see a snake at times. They can be so easily missed, as happened here. They crawl into situations and hide, then at the right moment, they attack and bite. They are crafty serpents and an enemy to their prey. They're not unlike our enemy, the devil. He has similar characteristics as Peter mentions in 1 Peter 5:8, 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour.' Notice that he acts like a roaring lion, not is a roaring lion. There is a difference. If we get ourselves into things we shouldn't be involved in, we are likely to meet with him. Rather like a snake, the devil mostly strikes if you get too close to him.

We need to watch what we say about people and situations because, we may be very wrong and this may cause the person a lot of pain or trouble. When we get it wrong, we are tempted to gossip and the rumour spreads like an infection. We need to take on board Paul's teaching on love in 1 Corinthians 13. Here, among other things, he tells us to always think the best of people; to love them and keep no record of their wrongs. Let us beware of crawling into situations and seeing only what we want to see. This is not the teaching of God. Don't forget, the devil will pull strings to help you get it wrong!

Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle 

Check it out

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2